Petition received: 12 September 2007

Principal Petitioner: Mr Barry W Cooper

Number of Petitioners: 1

Petition: YOUNG CARERS (IDENTIFICATION AND SUPPORT) MEASURE

In recent years Rotary Clubs throughout Wales have become aware of the lack of recognition and support given to children and young people who provide care for others at home to the detriment of their own education and normal social life. Their health suffers and their future adult prospects are blighted. Young Carers are undemanding – reluctant to draw attention to themselves for fear of family break-up and so remain hidden within society. The statutory sector does not collect statistics but the voluntary sector estimates that there may be in the region of 30,000 Young Carers in Wales who do not receive the care and attention that we think they deserve. Therefore Rotary Clubs have taken on the role of champions of their cause.

We, the undersigned representatives, petition the National Assembly for Wales to lay specific responsibility upon local authorities to Identify and Support Young Carers: we suggest that the best way to do this is by including a special chapter on the subject in the forthcoming Assembly Measure on Tackling Child Poverty and Assisting Vulnerable Children.

Of course it could be argued that, since man, but not all Young Carers are in financial poverty, some having to beg or steal to feed siblings neglected because of a parents addiction, they will be covered by the new Measure anyway. Certainly all of them are in social poverty. It could be argued that since all Young Carers are vulnerable and need support and assistance, they will be covered by this definition anyway.

However, we would argue that Young Carers are a special and distinct case, with special and distinct needs not presently addressed by the statutory sector. We do not want them to continue to be overlooked in future legislation and believe they deserve a special chapter of their own in the new Measure, setting out specific requirements to identify and support Young Carers.